tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33222087.post8287605372855206782..comments2023-11-05T09:11:50.950+00:00Comments on Malcolm Redfellow's Home Service: Malcolm Redfellowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11907427518823910875noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33222087.post-14898938333486152072007-05-12T16:09:00.000+01:002007-05-12T16:09:00.000+01:00Joe Higgins does not a party a make. I must admit...Joe Higgins does not a party a make. I must admit that though, even from over here I like him. You're quite right that the SP TD is quite capable of punching above his weight class. I admired the work he did with the GAMA workers. I laughed alot when he rattled Bertie's cage enough to receive a rather unprofessional rebuke when he questioned Bertie on his ties to the construction industry.<BR/><BR/>My point is this though, on a good day the Socialist party result will be the same a PD meltdown so that's hardly coming into play as a left wing kingmaker. <BR/><BR/>When the times comes and you poor bastards are like me (owing thirty thousand after selling a house) things will change. I admit that it will be the dominant party in the coalition taking the biggest hit but the junior partner will definitely be tainted in the eyes of the government voter and by their very presence in government will untouchable to the oppposition voter. <BR/><BR/>Noting that it will be a cooling period (most likely) and not an all out crash I find it hard to believe that a hardcore socialist vote will develop anymore than I believe that Labor (on either side of the English channel) are genuine representatives on the left. <BR/><BR/>I think it might actually be a blessing for FF to be out of government right now if only to be able to blame FG for "killing" the tiger. Now anyone with a basic grasp of economics will know that this argument is shit, but then we're not trying to convince economists but an electorate which is an entirely different ball game.<BR/><BR/>As for SF in the ROI. They're prospects are excellent as long they know their limits (which I believe they do). You're puzzled because you want to treat them like any other party in the ROI (at least that is my take and I am open to correction). They are an NI party and play themselves in the ROI accordingly. This is not to say that the Southern membership does not have an individual identity which has a tendency (at least in Dublin) to be more ideologically left wing, but it's heart and soul is up North (hence the overwhelming approval at the special Ard Fheis). <BR/><BR/>After this election is over SF will be an umbrella party set to catch up any votes lost to labor and FF. Martin Ferris is the traditional republican, Mary Lou will be the polite middle class vote and Sean Crowe can play the softer gentler variety of socialist in Dublin South West. Also that's only talking about the one gain they should make (though I honestly preferred Nicky Kehoe). I wanted to tackle your view that Sinn Fein by going into government in the north are going to undermine their electoral campaign in the south. I think that a functioning government in the six counties would undermine the rhetoric about SF economics and how they would be the doom of us all. <BR/><BR/>Ah fuck I've flat run out of time and have to run and do shit more later, maybe...yourcousinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00734380865417454796noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33222087.post-31591899331265894852007-05-11T11:22:00.000+01:002007-05-11T11:22:00.000+01:00I missed the El Blogador item. It's not just "grea...I missed the El Blogador item. It's not just "great minds thinking alike" — those Low, Zec and (a bit later) Vicky cartoons are branded into the perceptions of mine and the previous generation. Apologies, though, for lack of originality.<BR/><BR/>Adams is, admittedly, a great manipulator and snake-oil salesman. Quite where SF can position itself in the RoI's future puzzles me. Perhaps, with Stormont up-and-running, SF may have lost its unique-selling-point. The political spectrum is both crowded and fragmented. That's why, when the tiger starts to croak, I too expect a major fall-out.<BR/><BR/>FF have most closely identified themselves with the current boom. So I totally applaud your final sentence. It would need fancy footwork not equally to get blamed for any bust (likely cause: the need for the EuroBankers to hoick interest rates?). That's not going to be this electoral cycle, as you say.<BR/><BR/>And, no: SF will not be the "only leftist party left out of government". Joe Higgins should be a shoo-in for Dublin West (over 21% of first preferences last time). Clare Daly looks an attractive prospect in Dublin North (she just missed the cut in 2002). They may be loathsome trots, but they are capable of punching above their weight.Malcolm Redfellowhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11907427518823910875noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33222087.post-79422377573498952942007-05-11T00:52:00.000+01:002007-05-11T00:52:00.000+01:00Malcolm,I believe that El Blogador already used th...Malcolm,<BR/>I believe that El Blogador already used that cartoon when refering to the DUP/SF deal up north. I would link to it but can't figure out how to do the whole link thing in a comment.<BR/><BR/>Also I am in agreement that this blogger/journalist is full of shit. Gerry Adams may be shit when it comes to leading south of the border but he is still a shrewd political tactician and going into government now would destroy any possibility they have in the future as an opposition party (ie where they get their votes).<BR/><BR/>Far better to let Labor sell out with the Greens in the rainbow or a FF led coalition and watch them flounder as SF will remain the only leftist party out of government and will be there to pick up the disillusioned leftist votes. And believe me when the tiger cools and labor and/or the greens are in government the disillusionment will be deep.yourcousinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00734380865417454796noreply@blogger.com